While the location of a house is always high on the list of priorities for homebuyers, the latest research from British Gypsum has found that consumers are thinking more about what homes can offer, with ample living space stated as a key consideration. British Gypsum’s Sarah White outlines how merchants can use this information to support developers.
British Gypsum recently commissioned a survey of 2,000 adults to gain a better understanding of the UK’s attitudes, wants and needs when searching for a property. Key findings from the research showed that when it comes to the reasons behind moving house, 63% listed a change in lifestyle as a main contributing factor.
Because of this, homeowners are looking for greater flexibility from their homes, whether through interactive surfaces, multi-functional rooms or creating extra storage space. This means an increased desire for products and systems that can be adapted to suit these developing needs.
A change in lifestyle wasn’t the only reason given for moving house — 66% stated issues with noisy neighbours and external noise as a motivation. Plus, an increasing ‘boomerang generation’ of young adults moving back in with their parents means the combination of various personalities and different lifestyles living under one roof can highlight sound as a real issue within homes.
Using this knowledge, merchants can recommend simple solutions for existing and newbuild properties to minimise sound transfer, and ensure customers are aware of the solutions available to them. To combat acoustic issues, products such as Gyproc SoundBloc board, used within British Gypsum Gypwall systems, can be used to achieve better acoustic performance through its high-density, sound-insulating core. Alternatively, Silent Floor is an intermediate floor solution, designed to enhance levels of sound insulation in the home.
The research also found that alongside the need for better acoustics, 56% of those asked rated energy efficiency as a key consideration, giving greater value to builds that have good thermal insulation. Surprisingly, being a short distance away from the shops (50%) or high quality schools (33%) was of less importance than energy efficiency to potential buyers.
Fortunately, over recent years there has been a range of technologies developed to improve the energy performance of homes. Products like Gyproc ThermaLine laminates, specified as part of an internal wall lining system, can have significant benefits, such as reducing heating bills and offering a more comfortable home for its occupants.
With the right information, knowledge is power. In the upcoming weeks we’ll be sharing more insight from the research; in the meantime, the statistics so far provide some great food for thought for customers working on residential projects – both now and in the future.
Sarah White is market manager (residential) at British Gypsum.
